Design Brighton, a four-day festival celebrating revolutionary urban design, has announced new dates of 01-04 April 2020.

Festival Co-Director Sophie Law Smith explains: “Our original concept was to hold the festival in October this year, but a number of factors have led to us needing to change the dates to April 2020. One element influencing the decision was to wait for the restoration to be completed at our host venue, Brighton Dome’s Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre. 

“We’ve been delighted with the response from sponsors, partners and collaborators and we’re excited to be able to announce several elements of the festival – our programme is shaping up nicely!”

Andrew Comben, Chief Executive, Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival, said: “We are pleased to be working with Design Brighton on their inaugural festival. As Brighton’s leading event for the urban environment, we are keen to accommodate Design Brighton and we look forward to welcoming them into our newly refurbished space next year.” 

Two key partners have been announced for the festival; mixed-use developer First Base, owners of the Edward Street Quarter development in Brighton, and Building Live, which will host an industry specific event during the festival.

Barry Jessup, Director of First Base, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Design Brighton. The city is undergoing a huge amount of development and this festival will help to not only put Brighton’s world class urban design on the map but will also bring together visionaries to discuss how we can all collaborate and share knowledge to improve the built environment for all.”

One of the exhibitors already confirmed is a new building system by ICF Southern dubbed the ‘Naked House’ which will showcase fixtures, fittings and products and act as a networking hub for attendees throughout the festival.

The programme will include:

Wed 01 – Thu 02 April: Exhibition at Brighton Dome Corn Exchange plus two conference sessions per day focused on the history of urban design and how that can shape current challenges faced by cities across the world.

Fri 03 April: The day will kick-off with a networking breakfast followed by a panel of speakers discussing the future of urban development with a Q&A session.

Sat 04 April: The exhibition will be open to the public on this day, with the aim to provide information regarding home renovation and showcase local companies. This day will also include an educational element to engage children in the construction industry.

For more information, please visit www.designbrighton.org.